Head protective gear

Abstract

There is disclosed a protective head gear comprising a helmet having a brim positioned above the eyes of the wearer, a face protector covering at least a portion of the face of the wearer, and an adapter comprising an elongate cross member for securing the face protector to the helmet along the brim. There is also disclosed an adapter for attaching a face protector having a pair of strap receiving slots moulded therein to a helmet, comprising a cross member secured to the helmet, and a pair of support arms for insertion into the strap receiving slots. Additionally, there is disclosed face protective gear for use with a helmet having a brim positioned above the eyes of the wearer, comprising a cross member comprising a lip moulded along an upper edge, and a pair of goggles depending from the cross member When the cross member is secured to the helmet, the lip overlaps the brim.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a head protective gear. In particular, the present invention relates to an adapter for attaching a face protective gear to a helmet.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Dangerous occupations, including many sports, require the participant to wear protective gear in order to ward off both minor and major injury. In many cases protective head gear as well as gear for protection of the eyes and face is an important aspect. As well known in the art, protective helmets are often combined with eye protection such as goggles or face masks in order to achieve these ends.[0003]One drawback of such prior art approaches is that the goggles or face masks are first secured to the wearer's head using an elastic strap or the like, with the helmet then being placed on the wearers head over the strap. As a result, the elastic strap of the goggles sits underneath the helmet, which is uncomfortable. Alternatively, the strap can be placed over th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]Additionally, there is disclosed a face protective gear for use with a helmet worn by a wearer, the helmet having a brim positioned above the eyes of the wearer. The protective gear comprises a cross member comprising a lip moulded along an upper edge, and a pair of goggles depending from the cross member. When the cross member is secured to the helmet, the lip overlaps the brim.

Problems solved by technology

One drawback of such prior art approaches is that the goggles or face masks are first secured to the wearer's head using an elastic strap or the like, with the helmet then being placed on the wearers head over the strap.

As a result, the elastic strap of the goggles sits underneath the helmet, which is uncomfortable.

Alternatively, the strap can be placed over the helmet, but this in many cases leads to the outer edges of the goggles being raised off the wearer's face, thereby reducing the protection afforded by the goggles.

However, they also exhibit a number of drawbacks.

For example, they either enclose the wearer's face entirely (for example, in the case of a full face motorcycle helmet) or, in the case of partial visor, do not prevent material, projectiles and the like from entering from below the lower edge of the visor.

Additionally, provision of a visor typically means that other protective goggles or facemasks cannot be worn, thereby limiting the versatility of the helmet.

One drawback of these prior art inventions is that although the goggles form a good seal with the wearer's face, the helmet and goggles are able to move relative to one another, and a gap where the wearer's face is exposed is typically formed between the upper edge of the goggles and the lower edge of the helmet.

In activities where small high speed projectiles (such as bullets, BBs or Simunition®) are involved, such as warfare, paintball and simulated war games, exposure of the wearer in this manner can lead to significant injury and even death.

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